The
Ministry of Health informs the public that it is fully aware of the coronavirus
outbreak in China and is monitoring the situation. A press release from the ministry informs
that the coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause common cold to other
severe respiratory illnesses. The Ministry of Health is currently engaging
relevant local and international partners such as World Health Organization,
African Centre for Disease Control, West Africa Health Organization and United
States Centre for Disease Control to share information on recommended case
definitions, protocols on case detection and management, sample collection and
transport to designated regional laboratories to better prepare the country for
proper response to the ongoing pandemic.
According to the release, the Ministry of Health is in contact with and
has shared relevant information with health regions and hospitals to be on the
alert. It adds that it is strengthening the surveillance system especially at
Points of Entry (land, sea and air) to enhance screening for severe respiratory
illnesses and history of travel.
According the World Health Organization, the outbreak does not yet
constitute a global health emergency, and all measures to prevent the disease
from entering The Gambia will be put up by the Ministry of Health and its
partners. The release advised the public
to report fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties to the
nearest health facility or call Toll Free Number 1025 for more
information. The Ministry of Health also
advises the public to wash hands with soap, avoid close contact with people who
are coughing and having fever and to clean and disinfect frequently touched
objects and surfaces like doorknobs, tables, chairs among others as
precautionary measures.
